40+ Awesome Campgrounds in Arizona’s White Mountains

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Arizona’s White Mountains are an awesome place for camping.

Located in eastern Arizona about 5 hours east of Phoenix, the White Mountains are not the typical desert scene many people associate with the state. The White Mountains are green with ponderosa pine, oak, spruce, and more. Temperatures are much cooler up in the mountains and can offer relief from the intense summer heat of the desert.

There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and fishing, so you’ll have plenty to do on your camping trip.

Here’s an overview of camping in the White Mountains plus a list of over 40 campgrounds to explore.

Overview of Camping in Arizona’s White Mountains

Most of the campgrounds in the White Mountains are in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest or on White Mountain Apache Tribe’s reservation. There are also some campgrounds managed by state parks, the Bureau of Land Management, and private companies.

With over 40 campgrounds throughout the mountains, the White Mountains offer something for every style of camping.

There are campgrounds ranging from 3 campsites to 165 campsites. Whether you value privacy or a more developed campground at a popular destination, there’s something for you.

Availability of amenities varies across the campgrounds. Some campgrounds do not have basic amenities like drinking water and trash service, so make sure you check for this information on the campground’s webpage before you head out.

The majority of campgrounds are first-come, first-served but there are a number of campgrounds that take reservations. I’ve noted which campgrounds have a reservation system on the list of campgrounds below.

Popular Campgrounds in the White Mountains

There are a lot of campgrounds in Arizona’s White Mountains so it can be overwhelming to sort through them all if you’re camping in the White Mountains for the first time.

One popular spot to camp in the mountains is Big Lake Recreation Area. The 5 campgrounds here are Apache Trout Campground, Bookchar Campground, Cutthroat Campground, Grayling Campground, and Rainbow Campground.

Role C. Hoyer Campground is another popular campground, especially for families.

List of Campgrounds in the White Mountains

Here is an extensive list of places to camp in the White Mountains.

I’ve included links to each campground so you can learn more about each one. For campgrounds where reservations are allowed or required, I’ve also included the link to the reservations page.

Reservable Campgrounds in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Below are the campgrounds in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest that have a reservation system in place. These campgrounds are the more popular ones.

First-Come, First-Serve Campgrounds in Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

Below are the campgrounds in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest that are first-come, first-served.

Make sure to check the amenities offered at each campground. Bring plenty of water and know your leave no trace principles to be prepared if basics like drinking water and trash service are unavailable.

White Mountain Apache Tribe Campgrounds

All of the tribe’s campgrounds are first-come, first-served, but you’ll need to purchase a permit online for your vehicle.

  • A-1 Lake Campground
  • Cyclone Lake Campground
  • Drift Fence Lake Campground
  • Hawley Lake Campground
  • Horseshoe Cienega Lake Campground
  • Lower Log of North Fork
  • Pacheta Lake Campground
  • Reservation Lake Campground
  • Shush Be Tou Lake Campground
  • Shush Bezahze Campground
  • Sunrise Lake Campground
  • Upper Log of the North Fork

More Campgrounds in the White Mountains

Here are more campgrounds that are managed by state parks, the Bureau of Land Management, or private companies.

If you found this article helpful, check out even more camping articles!

As always, enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave no trace on all of your adventures.

Laura

Hi, I’m Laura! I've been hiking and camping for my whole life. I’ve since explored the outdoors all over the United States, including about 20 national parks. You can read more about me and my adventures on my About page.